Toronto, Canada, Oct 21, 2003 / 12:00 am (CNA).- The Ontario Conference of Catholic Bishops has joined other Evangelical and Catholic groups in proclaiming Feb. 8-15 national marriage week. The event will be organized under the theme "Marriage on the Rock."

Marriage has been a hot topic in Canada since the debate to legalize same-sex marriage began early this year. In a vote in Parliament last month, the majority of Canada's federally elected politicians demonstrated that they are in favor of redefining marriage to include same-sex unions. In fact, the government had already drafted a bill to legalize same-sex marriage in July and sent it to the Supreme Court of Canada for judicial review.

"Biblical marriage is important to us all - singles, couples, children, families, communities and society as a whole," reads the joint release, issued by a number of collaborating organizations, including the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, the Ontario bishops, Focus on the Family and The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada.

"Marriage on the Rock" will be a week for congregations to highlight the contribution of marriage to the common good of society and to uphold and affirm biblical marriage in their communities.

"Since marriage is more than a romance relationship, this event recognizes the need for marriage support from the broader Christian community," says the release.

Churches, intending to hold only one event that week, are encouraged to do so Feb. 15. A special resource kit will be available from http://www.christianity.ca/.